CN1981308A

CN1981308A - Money item dispensing apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN1981308A
Application number: CN 200580022805
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·R·H·贝尔
Original assignee: Money Controls Ltd
Current assignee: Crane Payment Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2004-07-07
Filing date: 2005-07-06
Publication date: 2007-06-13
Also published as: EP2141665A1; AU2005259166A1; JP2008506172A; US20090008215A1; ES2618847T3; WO2006003212A3; EP1805728B1; US20120261230A1; ES2629059T3; GB0415276D0; US20120261434A1; GB2416061A; EP1805728A2; EP2141665B1; US8844704B2; WO2006003212A2; US8181765B2

Abstract

The application relates to money item dispensing apparatus (1, 123) having a money item acceptor (10, 124) and a hopper arrangement (23, 126). The application further relates to money item dispensing apparatus (1) having sorting means (15, 16, 17) operable to selectively direct a money item (12) to one of a first money item store (27) and a second money item store (142), to money item dispensing apparatus (139) having two hopper arrangements (23, 150), to a money item acceptor (10) having a self-clearing mechanism (37, 38), to a money item conveyor (160), to a method of purging the money items in a money item dispensing apparatus, to money item dispensing apparatus (1, 123, 139) having means for ejecting a money item from a receptacle through an outlet via a first path to a return tray and via a second path into a cashbox, to a method of filling a money item dispensing apparatus (180) and filling apparatus (170) for filling a money item dispensing apparatus (180).

Description

Money item dispensing apparatus

Technical field

The present invention relates to money item dispensing apparatus, coin receptacle, coin travelling belt, the method for removing the coin in the money item dispensing apparatus, filling money item dispensing apparatus method, be used for the device for filling of filling money item dispensing apparatus.More particularly, the present invention relates to be used for the device of amusement machine, automatic vending machine, or other be used for receiving, accept, store and distribute coin and token coin or token-operated machine, remove method, the travelling belt that is used for the filling money item dispensing apparatus and the device and the method for the coin of money item dispensing apparatus.

Background technology

The coin that is used for paying and receive coin is operated machines, and for example automatic vending machine and amusement machine generally include internal interface receiver and inner hopper.The coin that is inserted into, after for example coin and token entered receptacle, if receptacle checking their authenticity and received words, coin can be introduced in the hopper that is used for storing and pays subsequently subsequently.Hopper activated, so that pay the user at needs, for example is used to distribute coin under the user has won the situation of cash or token, perhaps is used for small change under for example user has inserted the situation of too many coin.

Traditional coin receptacle comprises descent path, and along this path, coin is along edge lines and then by having the measuring station of a plurality of sensors.The character of these sensor input coins, corresponding signal is provided to the processor of determining the coin authenticity.The example of this receptacle is found in our GB-A-0307880, among GB-A-2169429 and the WO 99/23615.

The hopper that is used to receive, store and discharge coin is known, and one of them example is disclosed among our EP-A-0080842.It relates to a kind of magazine attachment that refers to general hopper, and it is controlled company limited (Money Controls Limited) by coin and makes.The transmission that this device is contained in hopper inside by use brings coin is delivered to some problems that outlet has overcome existing hopper design.This travelling belt comprises a plurality of by the interconnective parts of hinge, and each part has and is designed to form the flange that is positioned at the lip-deep coin receptacle of travelling belt.Usually, travelling belt is static, still, when people are equipped with the machine game of Coin processing device structure and have obtained the triumph line by this, promptly needs to pay, and will produce appropriate signals this moment, be used for the activating conveyor belt motor and drive this travelling belt.This makes travelling belt be driven and passes the coin that is stored in the hopper, so that some coins drop into the space on the travelling belt between the adjacent ribs.Therefore these coins upwards carry towards exit point, wherein have a coin on each flange, by the outlet expenditure as bonus.

Although general magazine attachment provides lot of advantages, still maintain a lot of shortcomings when being installed in the machine with traditional receptacle unit in these unit.One of them shortcoming is that the coin that receptacle coin input point and coin are drawn towards it returns the size in the gap between the pallet away from receptacle or hopper.Receptacle must be positioned in this fact of hopper top of machine intimate usually, and these two unit should be manufactured firmly and relative firmer and so very big, the result be cause user's coin input point and the gap returned between the pallet relatively very big.This means that this machinery requirement is provided the enough big user's accessible areas of area, so that hold the input point of at interval relative broad and return pallet.Input point and the gap of returning between the pallet also may be inconvenient for the user, and particularly for the game machine that is installed in the light fuzzy region, there, the output pallet is difficult to the location.

Another shortcoming of presently used device is that receptacle and hopper unit must be installed like this, and continuous coin path is promptly arranged between receptacle coin exit and hopper coin entry.This is proved to be inconvenient on some automatic vending machines or game machine, particularly when machine intimate lacks these spaces.This also makes this Unit Installation complicated and therefore expensive.

Summary of the invention

The present invention attempts to overcome these problems.In a first aspect of the present invention, a kind of money item dispensing apparatus is provided, comprise housing, in this housing, comprise the coin receptacle, the endless belt conveyer of Qu Donging selectively, its path comprises the coin receiving unit, with the coin storer, be used to receive coin from the coin receptacle, and a collection of coin to be allocated is fed to described coin receiving unit in proper order, this travelling belt has a plurality of containers thereon, and when travelling belt was delivered to exit point through the coin in the coin receiving unit and with it, each container in use was suitable for carrying coin to be allocated.

A kind of money item dispensing apparatus also is provided, comprise housing, in this housing, comprise the coin receptacle, the revolving part of Qu Donging selectively, it is essentially dish type and has a plurality of coin receptacles of arranging ringwise, the coin storer, be used to receive coin from the coin receptacle, and with a collection of coin continuous feed to be allocated to described a plurality of coin containers, and motor, be used for optionally driven in rotation part, so that coin is delivered to exit point.

This device overcomes previous limitation by a kind of device is provided, and wherein this device has the housing that comprises receptacle and hopper within it.Therefore, device of the present invention can have better reliability, compactedness and than the easier installation of the device of previously known.

When the payment speed of front hopper is subjected to factor, for example restriction that travelling belt can driven maximal rate.Hopper can be paid coin quickly, but it is normally favourable not damage the payment precision.Jumbo hopper also is favourable, and it can provide payment faster for the automatic vending machine equipment of for example public place of entertainment.

For overcoming these limitations, in another aspect of this invention, a kind of money item dispensing apparatus is provided, comprise first endless belt conveyer that selectively drives, its path comprises the first coin receiving unit, the first coin storer, be used for first coin to be allocated is fed to the described first coin receiving unit in proper order, this first travelling belt has a plurality of containers thereon, when first travelling belt is delivered to first exit point through first coin in the first coin receiving unit and with it, each container in use is suitable for carrying coin to be allocated, second endless belt conveyer of Qu Donging selectively, its path comprises the second coin receiving unit, with the second coin storer, be used for second batch of coin to be allocated is fed to the described second coin receiving unit in proper order, this second travelling belt has a plurality of containers thereon, when second travelling belt was delivered to second exit point through the second batch of coin in the second coin receiving unit and with it, each container in use was suitable for carrying coin to be allocated.

This equipment with two magazine attachments is compared memory capacity and the payment speed that has increased this device with traditional thin material bucket equipment.Another advantage of dual hopper is that when a hopper in use broke down, coin still can be back to the user by the operation of another magazine attachment.The limitation of this and pure bucket device has formed contrast.

In another aspect of this invention, a kind of money item dispensing apparatus is provided, comprise first magazine attachment, has first endless belt conveyer that selectively drives, its path comprises the first coin receiving unit, with the first coin storer, be used for first coin to be allocated is fed to the described first coin receiving unit in proper order, this first travelling belt has a plurality of containers thereon, when first travelling belt is delivered to first exit point through first coin in the first coin receiving unit and with it, each container in use is suitable for carrying coin to be allocated, wherein money item dispensing apparatus comprises sorting equipment, can operate and be used to receive coin and optionally guide this coin into first coin storer, and wherein said sorting equipment also can be operated and is used for guiding coin into link to each other with second magazine attachment the second coin storer.

Therefore, this equipment that comprises pure bucket device can be the equipment that comprises two magazine attachments by " upgrading ".Therefore its advantage is that the manufacturing course of dual hopper equipment has greatly been simplified, and this is because the major part of their design is exactly pure bucket device.This obviously has cost benefit.The operator of this equipment has extra dirigibility equally, promptly can and have between the equipment of two magazine attachments at the equipment with pure bucket device and switch.

Sometimes, the coin that is coated with undesirable stickum on it is inserted into receptacle and is bonded in the receptacle mechanism.Usually in this case, neither accept also not return their coin in case recognize this machine, then the user can push the button of machine front so that activate the clear program of receptacle.The shortcoming of this system is, it depends on that the user can recognize that coin is stuck in the mechanism and knows that step that they must take is to unclamp these coins.

The present invention attempts to overcome this problem.According to a further aspect in the invention, a kind of coin receptacle is provided, comprise the coin descent path, induction installation is used to respond to coin and at least one induction output signal is provided, electric machine, be used to carry out the clear program of descent path, and treating apparatus, can operate and be used for judging when the induction output signal adopts the predetermined value relation, and response therewith provides the first processor output signal with the starting clear program.

This coin receptacle can have the advantage of unclamping the coin in the equipment of being stuck in automatically, and need not the action of user command.

This coin receptacle also can comprise first sensor, be used for being in the coin of primary importance and first output signal being provided along the descent path detection, with second sensor, be used for being in the coin of the second place and second output signal being provided along the descent path detection, wherein treating apparatus judges when first and second output signals adopt the predetermined value relation, and response therewith provides a control signal with the starting clear program.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide a kind of coin travelling belt that uses in money item dispensing apparatus, wherein said travelling belt is formed by single molding basically.

In single molding, form this driving-belt and reduced manufacturing cost, and make the minimum number of the element that need be used for forming travelling belt, therefore simplified design and made the risk minimum that conveyer mechanism breaks down.

In some cases, need all the elements thing in the emptying casks, for example take the end of that day of operation revenue away the office worker.In this case, appropriate signals is provided to the microprocessor in this equipment, is used to drive the travelling belt motor so that discharge coin to coin continuously from hopper outlet and returns pallet

When removing the content of traditional hopper, coin is back to and returns pallet, and the people that take the content in the hopper away must be positioned at sack or other this container and return under the pallet to be used to collect coin.This proves very difficult and consuming time, has also increased the risk of plundering and swindling, and this is that coin is not in the safe container because when leaving machine.The present invention attempts to overcome this problem.

According to a further aspect in the invention, a kind of method of removing the coin in the money item dispensing apparatus that coin operates machines is provided, this method comprises the coin from the coin source that links to each other with distributor is fed in the container, coin in the container is moved to the position that links to each other with the outlet of distributor and via outlet coin is expelled to the cash box that is contained in this machine.

A kind of money item dispensing apparatus that coin is operated machines that is used for also is provided, and this device comprises:

The coin source, the coin container, be used for to be fed to the device of container from the coin in coin source, be used for the coin of container is moved to and the electric machine that exports the position that links to each other, be used for will from the coin of container by outlet and via first path be expelled to that coin returns pallet so that the device that the user takes away and be used for from the coin of container by outlet and be expelled to the device of cash box via second path.

Coin drained into mean in the cash box that coin can enter in the safe container before leaving machine.Therefore, security risk with remove the relevant obstacle of coin the pallet and can be overcome with collecting to return from the coin of machine.

Filling hopper equipment usually the coin inlet point place in magazine attachment by manual operation.Therefore this is consuming time and is the method for expensive filling hopper, even this is because use the equipment with funnelling, the speed that enters into hopper for coin also has limitation, for example owing to be stuck in the coin of the delivery outlet of the equipment with funnelling.

According to a further aspect in the invention, a kind of device for filling that is used for the filling money item dispensing apparatus is provided, this device comprises, the coin source, the coin container, be used for to be fed to the device of container from the coin in coin source, the coin outlet, be used for the coin of container is moved to and the electric machine that exports the position that links to each other, with the discharger that is used for discharging by outlet, wherein between the outlet and coin inlet that device for filling is suitable for allowing continuous coin path to be formed on money item dispensing apparatus with from the coin of container.

A kind of method of filling money item dispensing apparatus also is provided, this method comprises, the device for filling of money item dispensing apparatus is positioned at the appropriate location that links to each other with money item dispensing apparatus, so that continuous coin path is formed between the coin inlet of the coin outlet of device for filling and money item dispensing apparatus and activates device for filling so that refill money item dispensing apparatus.

A kind of money item dispensing apparatus also is provided, has comprised being used for device that device for filling is positioned at described distributor, be formed between the coin inlet of the coin outlet of described device for filling and money item dispensing apparatus to allow continuous coin path.

A kind of money item dispensing apparatus also is provided, has comprised the device that is used for this device is electrically connected to device for filling.

Description of drawings

For the present invention can more fully be understood, will be described embodiments of the invention by example and with reference to accompanying drawing now, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the external view according to passable coin receptacle of the present invention and magazine attachment;

Fig. 2 is the internal view according to the part of passable coin receptacle of the present invention and magazine attachment of the direction intercepting of the arrow " A " from Fig. 1.This figure also is the internal view according to general receptacle of the present invention and dual hopper device of the direction intercepting of the arrow " F " from Figure 20;

Fig. 3 is the cross-sectional view from this mechanism of the line I-I intercepting of Fig. 4;

Fig. 4 is from the cross-sectional view according to the part of passable coin receptacle of the present invention and the magazine attachment line II-II of Fig. 3 intercepting and that look from the arrow B direction of Fig. 1.This figure also is the cross-sectional view according to the first of general receptacle of the present invention and dual hopper device of the direction intercepting of the arrow " G " from Figure 20;

Fig. 5 is the view according to coin receptacle of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is the schematic block diagram according to the circuit of general hopper of the present invention and receptacle;

Fig. 7 is the view by solenoid-actuated acceptance door, and shown solenoid activated so that coin is drawn towards return path;

Fig. 8 is that shown solenoid activated so that coin is drawn towards and accepts the path by the view of solenoid-actuated acceptance door;

Fig. 9 is the sorter with the solenoid-actuated door of first and second sorters, and these shown solenoids activated so that guide coin into cash box via the first cash box skewed slot;

Figure 10 is the sorter with the solenoid-actuated door of first and second sorters, and these shown solenoids activated so that guide coin into cash box via the second cash box skewed slot;

Figure 11 is the sorter with the solenoid-actuated door of first and second sorters, and these shown solenoids activated so that guide coin into cash box via first chute;

Figure 12 is the planimetric map of the side, path of travelling belt segment;

Figure 13 is the planimetric map of flange side of the segment of travelling belt;

Figure 14 is the side view of the segment of travelling belt;

Figure 15 is the end view of segment of the travelling belt of Figure 14, and this figure obtains from the direction of the arrow " C " of Figure 14;

Figure 16 is sensing apparatus and the outlet portal that is used for according to device of the present invention;

Figure 17 is the discharge pointer that is used for according to device of the present invention;

Figure 18 a is first view according to the core of passable coin receptacle of the present invention and magazine attachment, has highlighted the first and second cash box skewed slots and cash box device in this device.This figure still is according to first view of first core of general receptacle of the present invention and dual hopper device;

Figure 18 b is the cross-sectional view from the device that is shown in Figure 18 a of the direction intercepting of the arrow of Figure 18 a " D ";

Figure 18 c is the cross-sectional view from the device that is shown in Figure 18 a of the direction intercepting of the arrow of Figure 18 a " E ";

Figure 19 is the view according to general receptacle of the present invention and disc type hopper;

Figure 20 is first external view according to dual hopper device of the present invention;

Figure 21 is second external view according to dual hopper device of the present invention;

Figure 22 is the sorter with the solenoid-actuated door of first and second sorters, and these shown solenoids activated so that guide coin into magazine attachment via second chute;

Figure 23 is the internal view according to the second portion of dual hopper device of the present invention of the direction intercepting of the arrow " F " from Figure 20;

Figure 24 is the view according to travelling belt of the present invention;

Figure 25 is the view according to hopper stowage unit of the present invention.

Embodiment

Summary

With reference to Fig. 1, show external view according to passable coin receptacle of the present invention and magazine attachment 1.In this example, the housing of device 1 forms irregular pentagonal prism shape substantially and has a plurality of outside openings, comprises coin inlet 2 and coin return port 3.Device 1 also has other opening 4,5 (see figure 2)s, and by this opening, coin can be discharged to one or more cash box (not shown), and opening 6 (Fig. 2), and the external data line can enter into device 1 so that be connected to device 1 via this opening.The mechanism of device 1 is accommodated in core 7 inside with first lid, 8 and second lid 9.

Fig. 2-18 illustrates in greater detail passable coin receptacle and magazine attachment 1.At the device 1 shown in these accompanying drawings equally also is a primary element of general receptacle and dual hopper device, and this dual hopper device is shown among Figure 20-23.Pure bucket device 1 in the embodiment shown can " upgrading " be the dual hopper device by an extra element is connected to pure bucket device 1.But consequently, some elements that are shown in the pure bucket device 1 of Fig. 2-18 only are only applicable to the dual hopper pattern, and are unnecessary in thin material bucket pattern 1 therefore.In an embodiment of the present invention, pure bucket device 1 does not have " upgrading " element, so these unnecessary elements can be omitted.This will be by describing in detail with reference to its applied particular element.

Fig. 2 is the side view of the core 7 of passable coin receptacle and magazine attachment 1, and this figure is that arrow " A " indicated direction from Fig. 1 obtains.In this example, core 7 comprises receptacle 10, accept door 11, can operate to be used for coin 12 guided into and accept path 13 or return path 14, the sorter 15 that comprises the first sorter door 16 and the second sorter door 17, the first and second cash box skewed

slots

18,19, have cover 21, the printed circuit board (PCB) 20 (Fig. 3 and 4) of connecting hole 22 and magazine attachment 23.

In use, coin 12 enters into passable coin receptacle and magazine attachment 1 through coin inlet 2.One next coin 12 enters into coin receptacle 10 via inlet 2.Coin receptacle 10 comprises microcontroller, and it judges according to the output of a plurality of sensors in the receptacle 10 whether the coin 12 that enters is false.If false, a signal is provided to accepts a door solenoid driver, with impel accept door 11 guiding coins 12 via return path 14 to coin return port 3, discharge coins 12 from receptacle 10 subsequently.On the contrary, if coin 12 is considered to really, a signal is provided to accepts the door solenoid driver, accepts door 11 guiding coins 12 via accepting path 13 to sorter 15 to impel.

Passable coin receptacle and magazine attachment 1 comprise treating apparatus, can operate to be used to judge that it still is one of first and second cash boxes 24,25 (Figure 18 a and 1 8b) that the coin 12 that enters is drawn towards magazine attachment 23 via the first or second cash box skewed slot 18,19 respectively from sorter 15 theres.In this example, treating apparatus receives the signal of coin 12 quantity that is used for indicating hopper 23 from the sensor of magazine attachment 23.The coin 12 of input is drawn towards one of first and second cash boxes 24,25 under the situation that magazine attachment 23 is full of, but coin 12 is drawn towards magazine attachment 23 in other cases.In case determined the destination of coin 12, to produce appropriate signals to control the first and second sorter doors 16,17, so that guide coin 12 one of into first and second cash boxes 24,25 via the first and second cash box skewed slots 18,19 respectively, perhaps guide magazine attachment 23 into.In this example, if determine that coin 12 should be drawn towards a cash box, then they at first are drawn towards first cash box 24.But in case after the coin 12 of some specific quantities has been drawn towards first cash box 24, then empty this first cash box 24, coin will be drawn towards second cash box 25 subsequently.

Fig. 3 is the cross-sectional view of the core 7 of the passable coin receptacle of Fig. 1 and magazine attachment 1, promptly from the line I-I of Fig. 4 and the view that obtains from arrow " B " indicated direction of Fig. 1.The side of core 7 comprises magazine attachment 23, and it comprises hopper inlet 26, hopper storer 27, travelling belt 28, the travelling belt motor 29 with travelling belt toothed gearing 30 and coin outlet 31.This hopper is operated by the description of EP-A-0080842 usually.As shown in Figure 2, received coin 12 process door gears 16,17, and enter into hopper via coin inlet 26 as shown in Figure 3.Coin 12 drops in the hopper storer 27 subsequently.Hopper storer 27 has downward-sloping pedestal 32, so the coin in the hopper storer 27 12 will move to the inboard 33 of travelling belt 28 owing to gravity.Travelling belt 28 is selectively driven along direction " Q " by travelling belt motor 29.Travelling belt 28 comprises a plurality of flanges 34 (Fig. 4) that form the coin receptacle that are set on its inside surface.Pay one or more coins 12 if desired, then travelling belt 28 is driven.Coin 12 is from the medial movement of storer 27 towards travelling belt 28, and this part is that the coin of travelling belt 28 is accepted part 33, and is maintained in the container that is formed by the lip-deep flange 34 of travelling belt.Wait to pay user's the therefore outlet of the coin on travelling belt 28 31 conveyings of coin 12, and after one arrived coin outlet 31, coin 12 was discharged from exporting 31.

With reference to Fig. 2, the coin 12 of discharging from the container of travelling belt 28 occurs from hopper outlet 31, and returns opening 3 and link to each other with the return path 14 that coin is taken the pallet (not shown) away with leading to coin, so that the user takes away.

Operation

Be described in detail in now with reference to Fig. 1-19 and coin 12 be inserted into after the opening 2 operation of general receptacle and magazine attachment 1.

Coin 12 forwards coin receptacle 10 to through opening 2, and this will illustrate in Fig. 5 in more detail.Receptacle 10 comprises the main body 35 of general plate, and this main body is near 36 location, surface of the core 7 of device 1.Main body 35 is connected to surface 36 by articulated mounting 37, and is maintained at some place on the main body 35 relative with articulated mounting 37 diagonal angles by the arm 38 that is connected to receptacle gap solenoid (not shown).Main body 35 comprises from main body 35 along the outstanding dividing plate 39 of the direction on surface 36, so that its abutment surface 36 basically.This causes forming gap and descent path 40 between main body 35 and surface 36, along this descent path, 10 inlet 41 passes through along dividing plate 39 coin 12 in the test along its edge from receptacle, and this dividing plate guiding coin is by the coin measuring station and guide outlet 43 subsequently into.

Coin receptacle 10 can be determined the coin of some different denominations, comprises the coin of double criterion, for example European coin set and the Britain's coin set that comprises double criterion ￡ 2.00.When each coin passes through measuring station 42, carry out test to this coin.Coin measuring station 42 comprises four coin sensing coil cell S 1, S2, S3 and S4, they be excitation so that produce inductive coupling with coin 12.Fig. 6 is the synoptic diagram of the circuit of passable coin receptacle and magazine attachment 1.The element that is limited by dotted box 44 links to each other with receptacle 10.The coil S1-S4 of receptacle 10 is by driver and the different frequency of interface circuit 45 excitations.The coin that is in the test induces eddy current therein by coil unit.Different induction coupling between four coil S1-S4 is the unique basically feature of coin.Driver and interface circuit 45 produce corresponding digital coin parameter data signal x1, x2, x3, x4, and they are as the function of the coupling of the different induction between coin and coil unit S1, S2, S3 and the S4.Coil unit S has less diameter with respect to the diameter that is in the coin in the test, so that detect the inductance characteristics in each arc string zone of coin.Improved identification can be by making the coil unit S in the face of coin, and for example the area A of coil S1 is less than 72mm ²And realize that this each regional inductance characteristics of permission coin surface can be detected.But, the invention is not restricted to any specific coil dimension, and bigger coil can be used to be coupled with the whole surface of coin.

Each sensor coil unit S comprises one or more inductive coils that are connected with each oscillatory circuit, and coil actuator and interface circuit 45 comprise the multiplexer (not shown) that is used to scan from the output of coil unit order, so that provide data to receptacle microcontroller 46.Each circuit vibrates under the frequency of 50-150kHz scope usually, and circuit component is selected so that each cell winding S1-S4 has different natural reonant frequencies, to avoid the cross-couplings between them.

When the coin in being in test passed through sensor coil unit S1, its impedance changed in～100 milliseconds time owing to the existence of coin.As a result, the amplitude by coil was changed in the time that coin passes through, and oscillation frequency also changes.The amplitude that the modulation that is produced by coin causes and the variation of frequency are used to produce the coin parameter signal x1-x4 of expression coin characteristic.

Block cancel system

Pick-up unit can be set in the receptacle 10, is used for determining when coin is stuck in the in-house of receptacle 10.Blocking can be at unwanted viscous coating, and for example beer applies that thereon coin is transfused to and generation when being bonded at receptacle mechanism in.When pick-up unit can comprise coil S1-S4, and their output is used to determine that coin is static and therefore is stuck in the receptacle 10.Replacedly, one or more sensors can be combined in the receptacle 10, to be used to detect the purpose of the coin that blocks.

In example shown in Figure 5, the sensor C1 and the C2 that are connected to receptacle microcontroller 46 (see figure 6)s are positioned in the appropriate location along coin descent path 40, and be used to detect coin and enter and leave receptacle 10, so that determine whether coin is stuck in the receptacle 10.If sensor C2 in a period of time, for example has been detected in 5 seconds that enter receptacle 10 beginnings from it, do not detect coin and leave receptacle 10, then start the receptacle clear program.In this example, the receptacle clear program comprises that microcontroller 46 definite coins are not detected by coil C2, and in this case, microcontroller 46 produces and blocks clear signal, and this signal activates receptacle and removes solenoid driver 49 (see figure 6)s.Corresponding with this signal, solenoid driver 49 drives servomotor 50 (see figure 3)s with transfer arm 38, is used for rotating around hinge 37 main body 35 of receptacle 10, so that widen coin descent path 40.By doing like this, removing coin from the blocking of receptacle, thereby coin can fall and enter coin return path 14 from receptacle 10.

Referring again to Fig. 2, if coin 12 is stuck in the receptacle 10, it can receive clear program and release automatically by starting, and is back to the user by coin return path 14.Replacedly, if coin 12 is not stuck in the receptacle 10, it leaves receptacle 10 via receptacle outlet 43, and judges that according to receptacle microcontroller 46 whether coin 12 is genuine and be directed to and accept path 13 or return path 14 by accepting door 11.

Accept door

Fig. 7 shows the acceptance door 11 of comparing with Fig. 2 from the rear portion.Accept door 11 and comprise the acceptance door solenoid 51 that is connected to tank circuit element 53 by receptacle door arm 52, wherein tank circuit element comprise be connected to respectively accept path 14 and discharge path 13 accept passage 54 and backward channel 55.Coin 12 transmits downwards along the coin descent path 40 of receptacle 10, and enters and accept one of passage 54 and backward channel 55.In order to determine which passage coin 12 enters, receptacle door arm 52 can be operated and be used under the control of accepting door solenoid 51 tank circuit element 53 being moved forward and backward along the direction of dotted arrow 56, so that judging that coin 12 is to make under the genuine situation to accept passage 54 and aims at coin descent path 40, perhaps judgement coin 12 be vacation situation under backward channel 55 is aimed at coin descent path 40.Fig. 7 shows receptacle door arm 52 and is in its extended position, make coin descent path 40 aim at backward channel 55, and coin 12 is discharged from tank circuit element 53 along the direction of return path 14, therefrom, it is discharged from passable coin receptacle and magazine attachment via coin return port 3, and by being back to the user via returning the pallet (not shown).Fig. 8 shows another kind of situation, and wherein receptacle door arm 52 shrinks, and therefore accepts passage 54 and aim at coin descent path 40, so coin 12 53 discharges along the direction of accepting path 13 from tank circuit element.

With reference to Fig. 6, judging that coin 12 is under the genuine situation, receptacle microcontroller 46 provides appropriate signals to solenoid driver 48, this solenoid driver drives accepts door solenoid 51 so that indentation receptacle door arm 52, and so shifting chute circuit component 53, thereby guide coin 12 into sorter 15 by accepting path 13.

The sorter door

First illustration of the first and

second sorter doors

16,17 of passable coin receptacle and magazine attachment 1 is shown among Fig. 9, and it comprises that respectively by the first and second sorter arms 59 (being shown in Figure 11), 60 are connected to the first and second

sorter door solenoids

57,58 of the first and second sorter doors 16,17.The first sorter door 16 comprises cash box passage 61 and hopper passage 62.The second sorter door 17 comprises first tank circuit face 63 and second tank circuit face 64.Skewed slot parts 65 comprise four sorter skewed slots, they are that first and

second magazine chutes

66,67 and the first and second cash box skewed slots 18,19 (alternatively are, they can be cash box skewed slots), wherein coin can be drawn towards these skewed slots according to the position of the first and second sorter doors 16,17.But, in this example, have only the passable coin receptacle of a magazine attachment 1 and magazine attachment 1 not to use second chute 67, this second chute is used in the dual hopper device that is shown in Figure 20-23.Second chute 67 can be omitted fully.

With reference to Fig. 6, device 1 has microprocessor 68, can operate to be used for determining coin 12 should be drawn towards which sorter skewed

slot

66,67,18,19.In this example, microprocessor 68 receives the signal from the sensor in the hopper storer 27 69, is used for providing the indication of quantity of the coin 12 of hopper storer 27.Microprocessor 68 can be operated the signal that is used for according to receiving and determine whether hopper storer 27 is full, and appropriate signals provided to the first and second sorter door solenoid drivers 70,71, so that drive the first and second

sorter door solenoids

57,58 respectively, and therefore guide coin 12 in the mode that will describe.If hopper storer 27 is full, then coin 12 is drawn towards the first or second cash box skewed slot 18,19.Hopper storer 27 less than situation under, coin 12 is drawn towards first chute 66 (as shown in figure 11) that leads to magazine attachment 23.

In interchangeable embodiment, magazine attachment 23 is used to receive, store and return the coin of two kinds of denominations, and therefore the first and second cash box skewed

slots

18,19 are used, thereby when hopper storer 27 is to be full of, the coin that enters can be drawn towards one of first and second cash boxes 24,25 by one of first and second cash box skewed

slots

18,19 respectively according to their denomination, in this example, the denomination of coin determines by receptacle microcontroller 46 and microprocessor 68 is given in indication.In interchangeable embodiment, two cash box skewed

slots

18,19 can lead to same cash box, and to be used to receive the coin of one or more denominations, perhaps in the first and second cash box skewed

slots

18,19 or another can be omitted fully.

With reference to Fig. 9, the first sorter door 16 can be operated the direction that is used at the control lower edge arrow 72 of the first sorter door solenoid 57 and move.Cash box passage 61 is limited by first dividing plate 73, and this first dividing plate stretches out from the plane of the first sorter door 16 on the side of the door that comprises cash box passage 61, and along this dividing plate, coin can pass through along its edge, so that walk around first and second chutes 66,67.When coin arrived the end of dividing plate 73, they will be owing to gravity falls in this example, fell in the first and second cash box skewed

slots

18,19 one according to the position of the second sorter door 17.Fig. 9 shows sorter device 15, and wherein the first sorter door solenoid 57 has activated, therefore the first sorter arm 59 be contracted so that the cash box passage 61 of the first sorter door 16 from accepting door 11 beginnings and accepting path 13 and aim at.Cash box passage 61 is guided coin in the first and second cash box skewed

slots

18,19 one according to the position of the second sorter door 17.

With reference to Figure 10, that the second sorter door 17 is aimed at shoulder to shoulder by two, be connected to and the plate 74,75 of the general rectangular separated by demarcation strip 76 forms, these three plates are arranged to cross-over configuration.The second sorter door 17 pivots around first and second projections of accepting in the socket (not shown) 77,78 that are contained in device 1.With reference to the zoomed-in view that is limited by the line part in Figure 10, the second solenoid arm 60 hingedly is connected to member of translational 79.Member of translational 79 comprises vertical rotation axle 80, flag part 81 and actuator lever 82.Flag part 81 is the rectangular slabs that are connected to the length part of axle 80 along the first side.Extend perpendicular to the direction of the turning axle 83 of axle 80 on flag part 81 edges, and hingedly be connected to the second solenoid arm 60 in first side relative with second side by pin 84.Actuator lever 82 also is connected to axle 80, and along extending perpendicular to the turning axle 83 of axle 80 and the direction relative with the bearing of trend of flag part 81.Actuator lever 82 engages with hole 85 in the demarcation strip 76.Therefore member of translational 79 converts the second sorter arm 60 mobile to around the rotation of the turning axle 83 of axle 80 and moves.Should be by actuator lever 82, this rotation is mobile to be used to the second sorter door 17 is moved in its two relevant positions one.The second sorter door 17 increases the weight of, so that it is returned to an appropriate location, in this position, under the situation that the second sorter door solenoid 58 lost efficacy, this sorter goalkeeper coin is guided first magazine chute 66 or the second cash box skewed slot 18 into.

In the example of Fig. 9, the second sorter door solenoid 58 activated, the cash box passage 61 of first tank circuit face 63 of the second sorter door 17 and the first sorter door 16 and accept path 13 and aim at thereby the second sorter arm 60 extends.This makes the coin 12 that inserts be drawn towards the first cash box skewed slot 18.

Figure 10 has described interchangeable situation, and wherein the second sorter door solenoid 58 activated, the cash box passage 61 of second tank circuit face 64 of the second sorter door 17 and the first sorter door 16 and accept path 13 and aim at thereby the second sorter arm 60 shrinks.This makes the coin 12 that inserts be drawn towards the second cash box skewed slot 19.

Figure 11 has described another interchangeable situation, and wherein the first sorter door solenoid 57 activated, and the hopper passage 62 of the first sorter door 16 is from accepting door 11 beginnings and accepting path 13 and aim at thereby the first sorter arm 59 extends.Hopper passage 62 is limited by second partition 86, this second partition vertically stretches out from the plane of the first sorter door 16 on the side of the door that comprises hopper passage 62, is used for guiding coin to fall first or

second chute

66,67 according to the position of the second sorter door 17.In this example, second partition 86 is provided with the device (as shown in figure 22) that is used for the first sorter arm 59 is connected to the first sorter door 16 equally.In being shown in the example of Figure 11, the second sorter solenoid 58 activated, the cash box passage 61 of first tank circuit face 63 of the second sorter door 17 and the first sorter door 16 and accept path 13 and aim at thereby the second sorter arm 60 extends.This makes the coin 12 that inserts be drawn towards magazine attachment 23 by first chute 66.

In magazine attachment 23 (as shown in Figure 3), when coin 12 entered hopper storer 27 and pays one or more coin if desired, travelling belt 28 was driven along direction Q.Travelling belt drives by travelling belt motor 29, and the travelling belt motor drives (see figure 6) by the travelling belt motor driver 87 that is subjected to microprocessor 68 controls in passable coin receptacle and the magazine attachment 1.The coin 12 that will pay the user is accommodated in the container that the lip-deep flange 34 by travelling belt 28 forms, and the outlet of the coin on travelling belt 28 31 is carried and discharge from exporting 31.

Travelling belt

The operation of travelling belt 28 is described in more detail now with reference to Figure 12-15.Travelling belt 28 is formed by a plurality of segments that are articulated and connected (segments) 88.With reference to Figure 14, segment 88 links together by trunnion 89, and each segment comprises that coin picks up flange 34, and this flange is configured to receive the container of coin and carries coin to hopper outlet 31.Each picks up flange 34, and an angle lapping from it tiltedly extends to about intermediate point along the opposite flank of segment 88 across the width of segment 88.In use be formed on an end of each flange 34 as the upright projection 90 of stirrer in a kind of mode that will describe, recess 91 is formed on the upper surface of the travelling belt segment 88 that closes on flange 34, and bevel edge 92 is formed on the bottom of recess 91 and the junction point between the flange 34.Can from accompanying drawing, find out the extension that flange 34 is parallel to each other.Be formed with the tooth 93 of a plurality of downward protrusions below each travelling belt segment 88, they with by the engagement of motor-driven driving wheel.

Travelling belt segment 88 is joined together to form the round-robin ring by hinge pin 89.This pin is assemblied in and slides along the path that is formed in a pair of isolated side plate, and this travelling belt is driven around described path by the engaging of tooth 93 on gear and the endless belt conveyer outside.

Referring again to Fig. 4, feed hopper bottom 32 outspoken connects out on the coin receiving unit 33 of the constant radius at place, conveyor belt loop bottom, thereby can see that the coin in the hopper storer 27 will drop on the feed hopper bottom 32 of inclination automatically owing to gravity, and drop on the inside surface of travelling belt 28.This set, the advantage that promptly is transported to closed endless belt conveyer 28 inside be, along the whole zone of travelling belt 28 sides and more importantly, the zone of most its inside can be used to hold coin.Therefore, in very compact space, provide very jumbo coin storage.

Because the distance between the travelling belt flange 34 is less than the diameter sum of two coins, and because stirrer 90, when travelling belt segment 88 begins upwards to transmit, even two coins are stacked in the bottom comers of this segment in the very short time interval mutually, the top coin also is forced to a side roll at the very start, and, thereby only stay next coin like that thereon according to expection after this from the flange 34 under the landing.

Bevel edge 92 is used to unclamp any coin from travelling belt 28, and wherein these coins adhere to travelling belt owing to they for example are soaked in the beer.When travelling belt 28 begins to promote, a coin will slide into downwards on the flange 34, and after this takes place, it will be extrapolated by bevel edge 92.This also is used for outwards promoting any other coin that is shelved on the coin top to be paid, thereby it is fallen the next one from flange and is positioned on the available flange below it.

The effect of stirrer 90 is to prevent that coin set arbitrarily in the coin receiving unit 33 from forming " rolling " that the width across travelling belt 28 extends.Should " rollings " in the coin processing procedure unusual general phenomenon and should being avoided, because it means aligning that coin stands vertically and therefore they will be along travelling belt 28 rollings, rather than overturning and dropping in the interval between the flange 34.

In an illustrated embodiment, all knuckle radius of conveyor path all are identical, this means the point that does not exist travelling belt 28 to catch on its path, and maintain a coin between two adjacent flanges 34, thereby form clamping point.If this thing happens, travelling belt 28 may block and motor 29 may burn out.Simultaneously, it is important avoiding having clamping point in coin receiving unit 33, and after coin was by outlet 31 feedings, the topmost that does not exist travelling belt 28 to be stuck in its path also was necessary.Do not block avoiding if the top radius is made into suitable size, then the coin of viscosity can make and itself adhere to travelling belt 28, and therefore can not slip away to outlet 31.Therefore it continues to become circle with travelling belt 28, arrives the first top band and will produce obstruction up to it.By shown in configuration, this can be prevented from because travelling belt becomes circle at the upper bend place, its segment is hinged together, and can freely fall after rise to the coin of coin storer 27 thereby unclamp.

Shown embodiment can handle the coin of token and one or more denominations.In other words, it can pay denomination from hopper all identical, the coin of 10p for example, and perhaps it can handle a plurality of coins, and 1p, 5p, 10p and 50p mix in hopper there.Single coin by the front is handled, simple hopper output transducer 94 (seeing Fig. 3,4 and 6), electronic equipment for example, be assemblied in outlet 31 places and be connected to microprocessor 68 as photoelectric detector or inductance nearby device, this microprocessor can be operated and make behind the coin that distributes predetermined quantity, disconnects motor 29.Preferably, motor 29 is equipped with detent, is used to prevent inertia induction overrun, so that after the power that offers motor 29 is disconnected, extra coin can not be paid.Pay a plurality of coins if desired, then need complicated, the exercisable first hopper output transducer 95, for example combine with solenoid-actuated hopper out gate 96.This configuration is shown among Figure 16.Output transducer 95 can be the row's photoelectric tube that is in differing heights in this case, is used to discern denomination and the coin of needs payment is counted, till should paying last coin.If last coin is very large denomination, hopper out gate 96 will activated.Hopper out gate 96 can be operated the direction that is used for along arrow 97 and move, and wherein this moves through the motor shaft 98 that is connected to by the hopper out gate solenoid (not shown) of microprocessor 68 control and drives.Microprocessor 68 provides the appropriate signals (see figure 6) to hopper out gate solenoid driver 99, and this driver drives hopper out gate solenoid is to be used for mobile hopper out gate 96 to stop up outlet 31.Therefore, if do not need to discharge coin, then hopper out gate 96 is driven to the position that covers hopper outlet 31, and coin will be directed getting back in the hopper storer 27.This will continue up to suitable coin, and promptly when replaceable position that door 96 will return to it when (as shown in figure 16), till the coin that is used to finish the suitable denomination of payment arrives, and this suitable coin will be paid and travelling belt motor 29 is cut off.

In case arrive outlet 31, in this example, coin 12 is owing to gravity is discharged via outlet.But Figure 17 shows spring-loaded coin displacer 100, can operate the power that is used to provide extra to discharge coins via outlet 31.Displacer 100 is so positioned, so that the power of its reverse spring 101 moves to drain position from the position that engages with coin, so that discharge coins 12, and therefore move to the position that engages with coin to be used for the coin to be discharged that the next one closes on via outlet 31.Displacer 100 is by microprocessor 68 control, thus it can operate so that when needs are discharged coin, activated.

Except the simple first hopper output transducer 94 that is positioned at hopper outlet 31 places or the complicated first hopper output transducer 95, the second hopper output transducer 102 (schematically showing in Fig. 6) also can use with coin displacer 100.It can be a kind of mechanically actuated or optical counter equipment, as preventing at

first sensor

94 or 95 owing to cheat another safety practice occur can not be for the risk of power the time.

Referring again to Fig. 2, coin 12 is in case after discharging from the container of travelling belt 28, will display and join from hopper outlet 31 to lead to coin and take away the return path 14 of pallet (not shown), so that allow the user take away.

Emptying casks

In some cases, need all the elements thing in the emptying casks, for example take the end of that day of operation revenue away the office worker.In this case, microprocessor 68 provides appropriate signals to travelling belt motor driver 87, is used to drive travelling belt motor 29 so that discharge coin continuously from hopper outlet 31.Usually in this case, coin is discharged coins from hopper outlet 31 via return path 14 in a usual manner, and is discharged to coin and returns pallet.But, the invention is characterized in that the removing skewed slot covers 103 (see figure 3)s and can be opened, so that being removed skewed slot 104,105 from hopper outlet 31 via first or second, coin guides the 3rd or the 4th cash box 106,107 into.Lid 103 is rectangle substantially, and can be by being connected to and rotatable first pin 108 of driving by removing skewed slot lid solenoid (not shown) and pivot along a side, removing skewed slot lid solenoid driver 109 (see figure 6)s of skewed slot lid solenoid by the proper signal control that is subjected to provide by microprocessor 68 wherein are provided are driven.Remove skewed slot door 110 and be arranged on first and second porch of removing skewed slots 104,105 equally, be used for coin is removed one of skewed slots 104,105 via first and second and guided one of third and fourth cash box 106,107 respectively into from exporting 31.Figure 18 c is the cross-sectional view of the core 7 of passable coin receptacle and hopper 1 from the direction intercepting of the arrow " E " of Figure 18 a.Removing skewed slot door 110 pile warps are connected to the removing skewed slot door solenoid 113 that is shown in Fig. 2 by driving shaft 112 second pin 111 pivots, wherein the positions of this solenoid control gate 110.Removing skewed slot door 110 can be operated the direction of arrow that is used for along being shown in Figure 18 c and rotate mutually, removes skewed slot 104,105 so that guide coin 12 into first or second.As shown in Figure 6, removing skewed slot door solenoid 113 drives by the removing skewed slot door solenoid driver 114 that is subjected to microprocessor 68 controls.

Cash box

With reference to Figure 18 a-18c, show the core 7 of passable coin receptacle and hopper 1, highlight the first and second cash box skewed

slots

18,19 and first and second and removed skewed slot 104,105.Also show the first, second, third and the 4th cash box 24,25,106,107, be used for removing skewed slot 104,105 from the first and second cash box skewed slots 24,25 and first and second respectively and take coin away.Figure 18 b is the cross-sectional view from the core that is shown in Figure 18 a 7 of the direction intercepting of the arrow of Figure 18 a " D ".Figure 18 c is the cross-sectional view from the core that is shown in Figure 18 a and 18b 7 of the direction intercepting of the arrow of Figure 18 a " E ".Cash box 24,25,106,107 can be a box fully independently, can be accommodated in the identical box of first, second or the 3rd partitioned portion 115,116,117 with any amount, or unified to be used for forming single cash box by removing partitioned portion 115,116,117.

The lower area outside the dotted box 44 of being positioned at of Fig. 6 shows the passable coin receptacle that is different from receptacle 10 and the circuit of magazine attachment 1.Except previously described element, this circuit also comprises the memory device 118 that links to each other with microprocessor 68, power-supply unit 119 and external connection device 120.

Microprocessor 68 can be carried out the function of being carried out by receptacle microcontroller 46 in others.In this case, receptacle 10 can not comprise that microcontroller 46 is own, and the single processor that is limited by frame of broken lines 121 alternately can be used in the device 1.And the storer 118 that links to each other with microprocessor 68 can be stored in the data that others are kept by receptacle storer 47.Receptacle 10 can not comprise single memory device 47, and be can be used in the device 1 by the single memory that frame of broken lines 122 limits.

Second embodiment

Figure 19 shows according to general rotary receptacle of the present invention and magazine attachment 123.It comprises receptacle 124, accepts door 125 and magazine attachment 126.Coin 127 enters into receptacle 124 via feed opening 128.The receptacle 124 of general rotary receptacle and magazine attachment 123 is to operate with the receptacle 10 similar modes of previously described passable coin receptacle and magazine attachment 1.Shown receptacle 124 comprises microcontroller, can operate the authenticity that is used to determine the coin that is inserted into and corresponding signal is provided, so that accept door 125 guiding coins to accepting path 129 or return path 130.If it is unacceptable that coin 127 is accepted that device 124 is judged to be, then coin 127 is guided into via return path 130 and is returned the pallet (not shown), so that the user takes away.Replacedly, be acceptable if be determined, then coin 127 is drawn towards magazine attachment 126.

Magazine attachment 126 comprises housing 131, hopper storer 132 and the disc type revolving part 133 that is installed on the housing 131.Revolving part 133 by be installed in motor (not shown) in the housing 131 via the reducing gear train (not shown) along the direction rotation of arrow " R ".

In use, hopper storer 132 is fed in the container that the lip-deep flange 135 by revolving part 133 forms as the coin source and with these coins.Coin exit 136 is arranged in the sidewall 137 that closes on coin device for transferring 138.Therefore can be fed in the container 134 from accepting the coins 127 that door 125 is fed in the hopper storer 132, and when revolving part 133 during by the motor rotation, coin moves till arrival is during in abutting connection with the position of device for transferring 138 along circular path.Device for transferring 138 forces coin 127 by outlet 136, and coin 137 is drawn towards and returns pallet, so that the user takes away.

The counting assembly (not shown) can be incorporated in the device 123, is used for when coin is discharged from it being counted.

Can be incorporated in the device 123 with the similar sorter device of in Fig. 9,10 and 11, describing of sorter device that is incorporated in passable coin receptacle and the magazine attachment 1.This device can be operated the similar cash box skewed slot of cash box skewed slot that is used for via describing according to the coin denomination or the filling face of for example hopper storer 132 coin is optionally guided to one or more cash boxes.Device 123 can also comprise coin removing door and mechanism that is connected and the described circuit that is used for passable coin receptacle and magazine attachment 1.

General receptacle and dual hopper embodiment

Figure 20 is first external view according to general receptacle of the present invention and dual hopper device 139, and this device comprises the receptacle unit and first and second hoppers.General receptacle and dual hopper device 139 comprise first core 140 and second core 141.By with passable coin receptacle and magazine attachment 1 similar mode, also be provided with first and second the lid 142,143.First core 140 of general receptacle and dual hopper device 139 comprises that also coin enters opening 144 and coin returns opening 145.As shown in figure 21, first core also is provided with other opening 146,147 that is used for coin is discharged to one or more cash boxes.And, be provided with the opening 148 that is used for outside connection, and printed circuit board cover 149.

General receptacle is identical with magazine attachment 1 with the passable coin receptacle that is shown in Fig. 1-4 with dual hopper device 139, but except second core 141, it comprises second magazine attachment.With reference to Fig. 2, this is the side view from first core 140 of the general receptacle of the direction intercepting of the arrow indication " F " of Figure 20 and dual hopper device 139.

Untapped second magazine chute 67 that leads to second hopper is used in general receptacle and the dual hopper device 139 in device 1, so that guide coin into be arranged in second core 141 second hopper, this is more detailed description hereinafter.

Be described in detail in the operation that coin 12 is inserted into general receptacle and dual hopper device 139 after the device 139 now with reference to accompanying drawing.

With reference to Fig. 2, the coin 12 that enters into general receptacle and dual hopper device 139 will enter into receptacle 10 and analyzed in the similar mode of describing with the pure bucket device 1 of previous reference of mode.If coin 12 is stuck in the receptacle 10, it will discharge automatically by being actuated at previously described reception clear program, and be back to the user via coin return path 14.Replacedly, if coin 12 is not stuck in the receptacle 10, then it leaves receptacle 10 via receptacle outlet 43, and is true or false and be drawn towards and accept path 13 or return path 14 via accepting door 11 according to the coin of being judged by receptacle microcontroller 46.According to one embodiment of present invention, the acceptance door 11 of general receptacle and dual hopper device 139 is to operate with the similar mode of mode of operation of the acceptance door 11 of passable coin receptacle that is shown in Fig. 7 and 8 and magazine attachment 1.Therefore, coin 12 is drawn towards inlet 145 via return path 14, or is drawn towards sorter 15 via accepting path 13.

Figure 22 shows the sorter device 15 of general receptacle and dual hopper device 139, and it is identical with the sorter device of describing with reference to Fig. 9-11 15 that is used for passable coin receptacle and magazine attachment 1.Reference numeral shown in Figure 22 is identical with employed Reference numeral among Fig. 9-11.

Figure 22 shows this sorter device, and wherein the first sorter door solenoid 57 activated, so that the first sorter arm 59 extends, so that the hopper passage 62 of the first sorter door 16 is from accepting door 11 beginnings and accepting path 13 and aim at.Hopper passage 62 is according to the position of the second sorter door 17 and coin is guided in first and

second chutes

66,67 one.In this example, first hopper is used to receive, store and return the coin of first denomination, and second hopper is used to receive, store and return the coin of second denomination.In example shown in Figure 22, the second sorter door solenoid 58 activated, so that the second sorter arm 60 shrinks, so that the hopper passage 62 of second tank circuit face 64 of the second sorter door 17 and the first sorter door 16 and accept path 13 and aim at.This makes the coin 12 that inserts be drawn towards second chute 17 and enters in second hopper.

The first and second cash box skewed

slots

18,19 can be used in general receptacle and the dual hopper device 139, so that after one or two hopper fills up, the coin that enters can be drawn towards one of first and second cash boxes 24,25 (seeing Figure 18 b) according to their denomination.Replacedly, the coin that the first and second cash box skewed

slots

18,19 all can be used to identical denomination maybe can lead to same cash box to receive the coin of single face volume or multiaspect volume, and perhaps in the first and second cash box skewed

slots

18,19 or another can be omitted fully.

This sorter device can be operated the coin that is used for inserting and guide first or second magazine attachment into, and one or more cash box.First hopper in the dual hopper device 139 is arranged in first core 140, and according to an aspect of the present invention, it is identical with general receptacle that is shown in Fig. 3 and 4 and hopper 1.Fig. 3 correspondingly shows the cross-sectional view according to first core 140 of dual hopper device of the present invention of the direction intercepting of the arrow " G " from Figure 20.Fig. 3 is the side view from its I-I line intercepting of Fig. 4.First hopper is to work with the similar mode of mode of general receptacle of previous reference and magazine attachment 1 description.The displacer 100 on spring that for example is shown in Figure 17 also can be used to increase the payment speed of first hopper.And complicated hopper output transducer 95 and hopper outlet door 96 shown in Figure 16 can be incorporated in first hopper, for example when hopper will be used to the coin of multiple denomination.

Second hopper of dual hopper device can be positioned in second core 141.The cross-sectional view of this part 141 of device 139 is shown among Figure 23.With with the mode of first amplitude, this part comprises magazine attachment 150, it comprises hopper inlet 151, hopper storer 152, travelling belt 153, the travelling belt motor 154 with travelling belt toothed gearing 155 and coin outlet 156.Coin 12 enters into second hopper via coin inlet 151, and this inlet is the end of second chute 67 shown in Figure 22.The coin that is inserted into drops in the second hopper storer 152 subsequently.Storer 152 has downward-sloping pedestal 157, so coin 12 will move to the inboard 158 of travelling belt 153 owing to gravity.Travelling belt 153 is selectively driven along direction " S " by travelling belt motor 154, so that discharge coin so that it is by outlet 156.The displacer 100 on spring that for example is shown in Figure 17 can be used to increase the payment speed of second hopper.And complicated hopper output transducer 95 and hopper outlet door 96 shown in Figure 16 can be incorporated in second hopper, for example when second magazine attachment 150 will be used to the coin of multiple denomination.

Coin 12 is expelled to pallet via return path 14 from hopper outlet 156, so that the user takes away.General receptacle also can comprise coin removing door and mechanism that is connected and the described circuit that is used for passable coin receptacle and magazine attachment 1 with dual hopper device 139.

Because and the similarity between general receptacle and magazine attachment 1 and general receptacle and the dual hopper device, Figure 18 a-18c shows first core 140 of general receptacle and dual hopper device 139 equally.Figure 18 c is the cross-sectional view from the core that is shown in Figure 18 a and 18b 140 of the direction intercepting of the arrow of Figure 18 a " E ".Figure 18 c shows the first and second removing skewed slots 104,105 and leads to third and fourth cash box 106,107 respectively.Second removes skewed slot 105 is not used in general receptacle and the magazine attachment 1, but in general receptacle and dual hopper device 139, second removes skewed slot 105 is used to guide coin into the 4th cash box 107 from second hopper.In this way, first and second hoppers, if be used to separately coin denomination or currency, can be respectively by end emptying their content of the first and second removing skewed slots 104,105 at one day.Replacedly, single removing skewed slot can be used to guide the coin of removing into single cash box from first and second magazine attachments.

The dual hopper device

In an interchangeable embodiment, receptacle 10 and acceptance door 11 can omit from general receptacle and dual hopper device 139, and this has provided description in others, so that this device only is the dual hopper device.With reference to Fig. 2 and use the Reference numeral of describing there, receptacle 10 and accept door 11 and can replace by the coin skewed slot (not shown) that extends to coin sorter 15 from coin input port 2, and the circuit of this device can correspondingly be regulated.This can comprise the extra coin denomination induction installation that for example is arranged in the coin skewed slot, and the denomination that is used for the coin of definite input also provides this information to processor 68.Be equipped with therein the automatic vending machine of dual hopper device or other machine also within it portion single receptacle is installed, be used for the inlet 144 of accepting to be inserted into the coin of this machine and coin being fed to the dual hopper device.In this case, this dual hopper device can receive the signal of importing the denomination of coin from the indication of single receptacle.

Endless belt conveyer

Figure 24 is an endless belt conveyer 160 according to an embodiment of the invention, and it is used for according to hopper of the present invention.Shown endless belt conveyer 160 is formed by single molding by plastics, and comprises the rectangular segments 161 of a plurality of rigidity, and this rectangular segments interconnects by a plurality of flexible regions 162 that formed by the fragment 161 thinner plastic areas of specific rigidity.Each rigidity fragment 161 comprises the bump that has formed flange 163 on its inside surface, this flange extends across the width of each rigidity fragment 161.A side at each flange is upright projection 164, and it is used as previously described stirrer when endless belt conveyer 160 is used.Each rigidity fragment 161 also comprises respectively grows first and second projections 165,166 that limits 167,168 extend out from first and second of rigidity fragment 161.These projections 165,166 will be slided in the path (not shown) in hopper in use.This path is with circular path pessum travelling belt 160.The rigidity fragment 161 of rectangle also comprises a plurality of teeth 169 that are positioned on their outside surfaces, and these teeth mesh in use with by the motor-driven driving wheel of travelling belt.

Full annular travelling belt 161 can be formed or replacedly by single molding, single molding can be used to form the basic framework of endless belt conveyer 160, it has for example part of flange 163, runner 165,166 and tooth 169, these parts are welded on the basic framework of endless belt conveyer 160 in succession by using routine techniques.

The hopper device for filling

Figure 25 shows according to hopper device for filling 170 of the present invention.It comprises housing 171, hopper storer 172 and the disc type revolving part 173 that is installed on the housing 171.Revolving part 173 by be installed in motor (not shown) in the housing 171 via the reducing gear train (not shown) along the direction rotation of arrow " T ".

Device for filling 170 usually with the money item dispensing apparatus of making by coin control company limited (Money ControlsLimited), promptly compact hopper (Compact Hopper) similarly mode operate.Operation about this device equally can be with reference to EP-A-0266021.

In use, coin is fed in the hopper 172, thereby this hopper is used as the coin source and these coins is fed in the circular port 174 of revolving part 173.These coins slide on the angled side walls 175 of housing 171, and wherein this housing has the annular upper surface that is limited by the circular side wall 176 around the circular edges that is positioned at revolving part 173.Coin exit 177 is arranged in the sidewall 176, and leads to coin exit 178 via short coin skewed slot.The coin discharger 179 that is rotation Y-piece form has from the first and second outstanding coin fitting pieces of hole of the inclined wall 175 of housing 171.

Device for filling 170 is positioned at the position that links to each other with Coin dispensing apparatus 180 that will filling, thereby has set up continuous coin path between the coin exit 178 of distributor 180 and coin entry 181.Can provide keeper 182 to help the location of device for filling 170.These parts can be positioned on the surface of described distributor, perhaps replacedly can be positioned on the device for filling 170.

Therefore the coin that is fed in the hopper 172 is sent in the circular port 175, and at revolving part 173 during by the motor rotation, and it is along till the path movement of annular is when the position that arrives in abutting connection with discharger 179.Discharger 179 is discharged coin via outlet 177, and therefore this coin is drawn towards coin exit 178.By means of the coin exit 178 of distributor 180 and the continuous coin path between the coin entry 181, coin is drawn towards in the distributor 180 from this opening 178.

The counting assembly (not shown) can be incorporated in the device for filling 170, is used for when coin is discharged from it being counted.The quantity of the coin that is discharged from can be presented on the display (not shown) of the LCD of device for filling 170 or other form.This device for filling also can comprise the coupling arrangement 183 of locating with distributor 180 continuous coupling arrangements.In this way, between device for filling 170 and money item dispensing apparatus 180, can have one or more electrical connections 184.Therefore, device for filling 170 can receive power and the command signal from money item dispensing apparatus.Device for filling 170 can provide one or more signals to distributor 180, is used in reference to the quantity of example as the coin of having discharged from device for filling 170.In an example shown, device for filling 170 has the switch 185 of the operation that is used to activate and stop device 170.

Here employed term " coin " comprises that coin, token and other similarly have the article of monetary value attribute.

Receptacle as described herein needs not to be the sensor that is formed by inductive coil.Other induction installation, for example optical sensor can selectively be used in this receptacle.In this case, acceptor circuit should correspondingly be regulated, and for example, comprise coil actuator and interface circuit 45, and the operation of receptacle microcontroller 46 is changed.

Claims

1, a kind of money item dispensing apparatus comprises housing, comprises in this housing:

The coin receptacle;

The endless belt conveyer of Qu Donging selectively, its path comprises the coin receiving unit; With

The coin storer, be used to receive coin from the coin receptacle, and a collection of coin to be allocated is fed in the described coin receiving unit in proper order, this travelling belt has a plurality of containers thereon, when travelling belt was delivered to exit point through the described a collection of coin in the coin receiving unit and with it, each container in use was suitable for carrying coin to be allocated.

2, device according to claim 1, wherein receptacle comprises:

Signal source is used to produce the coin parameter signal as the function of coin inductance characteristics; With

First treating apparatus can be operated and is used for the critical parameter signal and adopts first predetermined value to close and tie up to and when take place, and response therewith, provides first output signal with the acceptability according to coin.

3, device according to claim 2, wherein receptacle is the receptacle in claim 52 or 53.

4, according to claim 2 or 3 described devices, comprise that also coin accepts the path, coin return path and accept door wherein should acceptance can be operated and is used for guiding coin into described coin return path and coin is accepted one of path from receptacle according to the acceptability of coin.

5, device according to claim 4, wherein the acceptance door can respond first output signal and operate.

6, according to claim 4 or 5 described devices, wherein the coin return path leads to coin and returns pallet.

7, according to each described device in the aforementioned claim, also comprise sorting equipment, can operate the coin that is used to receive the coin accepted by the coin receptacle and will accepts and optionally guide the coin storer into.

8, device according to claim 7, wherein sorting equipment also can be operated and be used for guiding coin into cash box.

9, according to claim 7 or 8 described devices, also comprise second treating apparatus, can operate and be used to provide second output signal, and wherein sorting equipment can be operated and is used to respond second output signal and guides coin.

10, device according to claim 9 also comprises:

Second endless belt conveyer of Qu Donging selectively, its path comprises the second coin receiving unit; With

The second coin storer, be used for receiving coin from the coin receptacle, and second batch of coin to be allocated be fed in the described second coin receiving unit in proper order, this second travelling belt has a plurality of pick devices thereon, when second travelling belt was delivered to second exit point through the second batch of coin in the second coin receiving unit and with it, each pick device in use was suitable for carrying coin to be allocated.

11, device according to claim 10, wherein sorting equipment also can be operated and be used for optionally guiding coin into second coin storer.

12, according to claim 9,10 or 11 described devices, wherein second output signal depends on the coin quantity in the coin storer.

13, according to claim 10,11 or 12 described devices, wherein second output signal depends on the coin quantity in the second coin storer.

14, according to each described device among the claim 9-13, wherein second output signal depends on the denomination of coin.

15, according to each described device in the aforementioned claim, also comprise discharger, can operate and be used to provide the power that coin is discharged via exit point from container.

16, device according to claim 15 also comprises the outlet induction installation that links to each other with described discharger, and described outlet induction installation can be operated and be used to detect the coin that moves through exit point from one of container.

17, according to each described device in the aforementioned claim, also comprise to operate and be used to guide coin to leave container and arrive coin return the device of pallet and can operate and be used to the scavenge unit that guides coin to leave container and arrive cash box via second outlet pathway via first outlet pathway.

18, a kind of money item dispensing apparatus comprises housing, comprises in this housing:

The coin receptacle;

The revolving part of Qu Donging selectively, it is essentially dish type and has a plurality of coin receptacles of arranging ringwise;

The coin storer is used to receive the coin from the coin receptacle, and is used for a collection of coin continuous feed to be allocated to described a plurality of coin containers; With

Motor is used for optionally driven in rotation part, so that coin is delivered to exit point.

19, device according to claim 18, wherein receptacle comprises:

First treating apparatus can be operated and be used for the critical parameter signal and adopt first predetermined value to close and tie up to and when take place, and response therewith, provides first output signal with the acceptability according to coin.

20, device according to claim 19, wherein receptacle is the receptacle in claim 52 or 53.

21, according to claim 19 or 20 described devices, also comprise the coin RX path, coin return path and accept door wherein should acceptance can be operated and is used for guiding coin into described coin return path and coin is accepted one of path from receptacle according to the acceptability of coin.

22, device according to claim 21, wherein the acceptance door can respond first output signal and operate.

23, according to claim 21 or 22 described devices, wherein the coin return path leads to coin and returns pallet.

24, according to each described device among the claim 18-23, also comprise sorting equipment, can operate the coin that is used to receive the coin accepted by the coin receptacle and will accepts and optionally guide the coin storer into.

25, device according to claim 24, wherein sorting equipment also can be operated and be used for guiding coin into cash box.

26, according to claim 24 or 25 described devices, also comprise second treating apparatus, can operate and be used to provide second output signal, and wherein sorting equipment can be operated and is used to respond second output signal and guides coin.

27, device according to claim 26, wherein second output signal depends on the coin quantity in the coin storer.

28, according to claim 26 or 27 described devices, wherein second output signal depends on the denomination of coin.

29,, comprise also that discharger can be operated and be used to provide the power that coin is discharged via exit point from container according to each described device among the claim 18-28.

30, device according to claim 29 also comprises the outlet induction installation that links to each other with described discharger, and described outlet induction installation can be operated and be used to detect the coin that moves through exit point from one of container.

31, according to each described device among the claim 18-30, also comprise to operate and be used to guide coin to leave container and arrive coin return the device of pallet and can operate and be used to the scavenge unit that guides coin to leave container and arrive cash box via second outlet pathway via first outlet pathway.

32, a kind of money item dispensing apparatus comprises first magazine attachment, has:

First endless belt conveyer that selectively drives, its path comprises the first coin receiving unit; With

The first coin storer, be used for first coin to be allocated is fed to the described first coin receiving unit in proper order, this first travelling belt has a plurality of containers thereon, when first travelling belt was delivered to first exit point through first coin in the first coin receiving unit and with it, each container in use was suitable for carrying coin to be allocated; Wherein money item dispensing apparatus comprises:

Sorting equipment can be operated and is used to receive coin and optionally guide this coin into first coin storer, and wherein

Described sorting equipment also can be operated and be used for guiding coin into link to each other with second magazine attachment the second coin storer.

33, device according to claim 32 also comprises:

Second magazine attachment, this second magazine attachment has:

The second coin storer, be used for second batch of coin to be allocated is fed to the described second coin receiving unit in proper order, this second travelling belt has a plurality of containers thereon, when second travelling belt was delivered to second exit point through the second batch of coin in the second coin receiving unit and with it, each container in use was suitable for carrying coin to be allocated.

34, device according to claim 33 also comprises the coin receptacle.

35, a kind of money item dispensing apparatus comprises:

The first coin storer, be used for first coin to be allocated is fed to the described first coin receiving unit in proper order, this first travelling belt has a plurality of containers thereon, when first travelling belt was delivered to first exit point through first coin in the first coin receiving unit and with it, each container in use was suitable for carrying coin to be allocated;

36, device according to claim 35 also comprises the coin receptacle.

37, device according to claim 36, wherein receptacle comprises:

First treating apparatus can be operated and be used for the critical parameter signal and adopt first predetermined value to close and tie up to and when take place, and response therewith, provides first output signal with the acceptability corresponding to coin.

38, according to the described device of claim 37, wherein receptacle is the receptacle in claim 52 or 53.

39, according to claim 37 or 38 described devices, also comprise coin RX path, coin return path and accept door, wherein should acceptance can operate and be used for guiding coin into described coin return path and coin is accepted one of path from receptacle according to the acceptability of coin.

40, according to the described device of claim 39, wherein the acceptance door can respond first output signal and operate.

41, according to claim 39 or 40 described devices, wherein the coin return path leads to coin and returns pallet.

42, according to each described device among the claim 36-41, also comprise sorting equipment, can operate the coin that is used to receive the coin accepted by the coin receptacle and will accepts and optionally guide the coin storer into.

43, according to the described device of claim 42, wherein sorting equipment also can be operated and be used for guiding coin into cash box.

44, according to claim 42 or 43 described devices, also comprise second treating apparatus, can operate and be used to provide second output signal, and wherein sorting equipment can be operated and is used to respond second output signal and guides coin.

45, according to the described device of claim 44, wherein second output signal depends on the coin quantity in the coin storer.

46, according to claim 44 or 45 described devices, wherein second output signal depends on the coin quantity in the second coin storer.

47, according to each described device among the claim 44-46, wherein second output signal depends on the denomination of coin.

48, according to each described device among the claim 42-47, wherein sorting equipment also can be operated and be used for optionally guiding coin into second coin storer.

49, according to each described device among the claim 35-48, also comprise discharger, can operate and be used to provide the power that coin is discharged via exit point from container.

50, according to the described device of claim 49, also comprise the outlet induction installation that links to each other with described discharger, described outlet induction installation can be operated and be used to detect the coin that moves through exit point from one of container.

51, according to each described device among the claim 35-50, also comprise to operate and be used to guide coin to leave container and arrive coin return the device of pallet and can operate and be used to the scavenge unit that guides coin to leave container and arrive cash box via second outlet pathway via first outlet pathway.

52, a kind of coin receptacle comprises:

The coin descent path;

Induction installation is used to respond to coin and is used to provide at least one induction output signal;

Electric machine is used to carry out the clear program of descent path; With

Treating apparatus can operate to be used for judging when the induction output signal adopts the predetermined value relation, and response therewith, to provide the first processor output signal with the starting clear program.

53, according to the described coin receptacle of claim 52, wherein induction installation comprises:

First sensor is used to detect along descent path and is in the coin of primary importance and first output signal is provided; With

Second sensor is used to detect along descent path and is in the coin of the second place and second output signal is provided; Wherein

Treating apparatus judges when first and second output signals adopt the predetermined value relation, and response therewith, provides a control signal with the starting clear program.

54, a kind of coin travelling belt that uses in money item dispensing apparatus, wherein said travelling belt is substantially shaped as integrally moulded.

55,, also comprise a plurality of rigid elements that interconnect by a plurality of bendable portion branches according to the described travelling belt of claim 54.

56, a kind of money item dispensing apparatus comprises according to claim 54 or 55 described travelling belts.

57, a kind of method of removing the coin in the money item dispensing apparatus that coin operates machines, this method comprises:

To be fed in the container from the coin in the coin source that links to each other with distributor;

Coin in the container is moved to the position that links to each other with the outlet of distributor; With

Via outlet coin is expelled in the cash box that is contained in this machine.

58, a kind ofly be used for the money item dispensing apparatus that coin is operated machines, this device comprises:

The coin source;

The coin container;

Be used for to be fed to the device of container from the coin in coin source;

Be used for the coin of container is moved to and the electric machine that exports the position that links to each other;

Be used for to be expelled to by outlet and via first path from the coin of container that coin returns pallet so that the device that the user takes away; With

Be used for and be expelled to device in the cash box from the coin of container by outlet and via second path.

59, a kind of device for filling that is used for the filling money item dispensing apparatus, this device comprises:

The coin source;

The coin container;

Be used for to be fed to the device of container from the coin in coin source;

The coin outlet;

Be used for the coin of container is moved to and the electric machine that exports the position that links to each other; With

Be used for and pass through the discharger that outlet is discharged from the coin of container; Wherein

Between the outlet and coin inlet that device for filling is suitable for allowing continuous coin path to be formed on money item dispensing apparatus.

60, according to the described device of claim 59, also comprise the device that is used for device for filling is positioned at the appropriate location that links to each other with distributor, be formed between the outlet and coin inlet of money item dispensing apparatus to allow continuous coin path.

61, according to claim 59 or 60 described devices, also comprise the device that is used to be electrically connected device for filling and money item dispensing apparatus.

62,, also comprise being used for device that the coin of discharging from described device for filling is counted according to each described device in the claim 59,60 and 61.

63, according to the described device of claim 62, wherein device for filling provides signal according to the output of described counting assembly to money item dispensing apparatus.

64, according to each described device among the claim 59-63, also comprise the leader.

65, a kind of method of filling money item dispensing apparatus, this method comprises:

The device for filling of money item dispensing apparatus is positioned at the appropriate location that links to each other with money item dispensing apparatus, so that continuous coin path is formed between the coin inlet of the coin outlet of device for filling and money item dispensing apparatus; With

Activate device for filling so that refill money item dispensing apparatus.

66, according to the described method of claim 65, wherein the device for filling of money item dispensing apparatus is each described device among the claim 59-64.

67, a kind of money item dispensing apparatus comprises being used for device that device for filling is positioned at described distributor, is formed between the coin inlet of the coin outlet of described device for filling and money item dispensing apparatus to allow continuous coin path.

68, according to the described device of claim 67, wherein device for filling is each described device among the claim 59-64.

69, a kind of money item dispensing apparatus comprises the device that is used for this device is electrically connected to device for filling.

70, according to the described device of claim 69, wherein device for filling is each described device among the claim 59-64.